Treatment Options for Arthritis in the Back or Neck:
There are a variety of treatment options, and courses of treatments, that would be determined during your first appointment with Dr. Henriquez. These are just a few of the possible options.
Lumbar Facet Injection / Medial Branch Block: The goal is to minimize inflammation in the spine. First, we would locate the facet joint spaces that are suffering from arthritis. Then, using our large monitor along with the Fluoroscopy Machine (x-ray machine), we can view the needle as it moves toward the injection site. After that, we inject a small amount of picture dye to verify that we are in the exact spot needed. Finally, we inject a combination of marcaine (numbing agent) and cortisone (steroid).
What these Injected Medicines Mean:
If you need both the marcaine and cortisone injected into the space, then it’s considered a Facet Joint Injection. Some patients only need the numbing agent. The cortisone is what will reduce the inflammation in that joint space.
When only the marcaine is injected, then we would be doing a Diagnostic Block – Ensuring that you will receive at least at 80% reduction in pain. This type of block prepares a patient for a Radiofrequency Ablation.
Treatment Options
Call us so we can set up an appointment to discuss your options for chronic pain treatment. Dr Henriquez strives to provide an approach for personal and compassionate care.
Learn more about Chronic Pain
Treatments for Facetogenic Pain – Two minute video
Facet Joint Injection – Blog Article
